Child Custody & Visitation

Divorce and Your Children

One concern front and center in divorce cases is how it will impact the lives of the children involved.

You want to do what is best for your children. So do the courts. In fact, that's the goal of everyone involved. Unfortunately, everyone has a slightly different idea of what exactly is best for your children.

When you choose the Hart Law Office in Marlborough, Massachusetts, our attorneys will take the time to learn about you and your children. We will discuss what you believe is best for your child, we will offer honest guidance and we will take the steps necessary to get positive child custody and visitation arrangements.

Types of Child Custody

There are two types of child custody, and each pertains to a different aspect of a child's life:

Physical custody: This is the type of custody that addresses where the child will reside. Physical custody may be split between parents.

Legal custody: This is the type of custody that addresses the decisions that need to be made for the child. It outlines who has the right to make decisions about medical care, schooling and other important aspects of the child's life.

Joint Child Custody and Sole Child Custody

Both types of custody can be divided in a variety of different ways. The courts tend to favor joint custody, also known as shared custody. This means duties are split between both parents.

Shared physical custody and shared legal custody does not mean that duties are split equally, but that both parents have some level of involvement.

Sole custody is something the courts prefer not to order unless necessary. This means that all of the duties are placed in the hands of one parent. The other parent may still have visitation rights, but other rights are minimal.

Our lawyers are ready to help you determine what custody arrangements make the most sense for you.

Our commitment to you: High quality legal services in family law matters.

The Hart Law Office serves people in Marlborough and the surrounding areas of Massachusetts, including Framingham, Natick, Shrewsbury, Worcester, Wellesley, Newton, Leominster, Boston, Northborough, Westborough, Concord, Acton, Fitchburg, Lowell, Wayland, Weston, Waltham, Sudbury and the metro west Boston area, as well as all cities within Middlesex County and Worcester County.